April is the World Championship for VEX Robotics.  They will be announcing the new game for 2015-2016.  You can "like" us on Facebook to get updates on the new game when it is announced.
We have a couple more scrimmages before this season is over.  We have our two teams, but we would like to invite anyone else interested in being on a team next year to join us for the next 2 weeks.  You will get in a team of 4 kids, build a robot, test it and compete in the scrimmage.  This will give you a chance to see if it is a good fit for your child.

Scrimmage:  March 31, 5-8pm at Trabuco Mesa Elementary
Practices: March 17, 19, 24, 3:30-5:00  (current team members come 2:30-4:00) at Trabuco Mesa.

There will be one more scrimmage in May in Ladera Ranch.  We don't have the date yet.

Other upcoming events:
March 28, 10AM-1PM.  We will have robots and a scrimmage field at the Critter Expo in RSM Central Park.  You can sign up for a time to drive the team robot against kids who show up at the expo.

March 27, 5:30-8:30PM, RSM Beach Club, $35 for pizza and a Robotics Challenge Night.  In small teams, you will build and modify and compete.  This month the challenge is Tug of War Bots.  We will learn about gear ratios, center of gravity, speed and torque.  Ages 8-14.

April 24, 9AM-3PM, Imaginology at the OC Fair.  We will be running competitions all day long in the main exhibition hall.

(Volunteers are needed at all these events also.  We would love to have your help.  Let me know when you are available.)
See you soon!

Robotics Teams
Winter season of robotics ended successfully.  Our teams, elementary and middle school, competed at Ladera Ranch and Mt SAC in Walnut.  Although we're taking a small break now, there will be at least one more event probably in April for competition.  Then at the World Championships, the new VEX IQ game for 2015-2016 will be announced.  This year we are going to put together a small team of young, creative designers and builders to get the robot going even before the team gets together in the fall.  Last year, our best was 5th place.  This year, we managed a 3rd place.  Next year??  Could we possibly qualify for the State Championships?!
Challenge Nights
So far this year, our Challenge Nights have been a big hit, full to capacity with long waiting lists!  Pizza and a robotics challenge - what could be better?  Laguna Hills Library, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Costa Mesa all found grants to provide these programs to their kids at no cost!  That's what we are all about.  Providing robotics and engineering experiences to school aged kids.

Coming Up
In March, we have a Tug of War Bot competition at the SAMLARC Beach Club
in Rancho Santa Margarita.  Friday, March 27 from 5:30-8:30 PM, ages 8-14.  $35 for pizza and 3 hours of creating your robot for the tug of war.  Gear ratio, balance, weight, friction...hmmm, what will you create?  Call SAMLARC at 709-0027 to register.

March 28 from 10 AM to 1 PM, we will be at Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park with the Critter Expo.  Some of our team members will be there to demonstrate their robots and driving skills, maybe even have a little friendly competition.  Kids attending the Expo can sign up for a chance to drive a robot in a 1-minute round of HighRise, this year's competition game.  This event is free and more of a demo, but should be lots of fun.  Walkups are allowed but kids who signup will be first in line!  Give me a call to get on the schedule, Cheri (949) 291-2460.

Summer teams will be starting in May.  We are planning San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Lake Forest.  Even better if we can find more teams.  We are hoping to get a league going for the fall.  We might even lend out a robot kit if you want to get your own team together to be in our league.

Check out our Facebook page at Facebook.com/MATHmaniaRobotics.  Like us!!
Thanks,
Cheri Haggard
949.291.2460
cheri@MATHmaniaRobotics.com